In a significant development in support of the Indo-US nuclear accord, US lawmakers on Tuesday defeated amedments that wanted India to sign Non-Proliferation Treaty and put moratorium on fissile material production during a hearing on a bill that seeks the implementation of the landmark pact.
The amendments to the bill, which seeks exemptions to Atomic Energy Act 1954 to enable US to sell nuclear fuel and technology in return for non-proliferation and safeguards commitments from India, were defeated in the 50-member House International Relations Committee that discussed the proposed legilation before it is sent for Congress's approval.
An amendment offered by a lawmaker from California, which sought to add language in the bill to the effect that India should sign the NPT, was defeated 36-4.
Another amendment seeking to place limitations on nuclear transfers unless a presidential determination has been made regarding India's adherence to a unilateral moratorium on production of fissile material was also defeated 31-12.
The Committee approved by a voice vote another amendment brought by Joseph Crowley, which stipulated that the President would submit to the House and Senate international committees a report describing any nuclear reactors or nuclear facilities that India has designated as civilian and placed under inspection or has designated as military.
During the debate, supporters of the landmark pact described it as an "unmistakable gain" for non-proliferation. But opponents said other countries would also seek similar nuclear cooperation with the US if the pact is signed.
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